If you’ve spent any time at JFK’s Terminal 4 lately, you know it’s basically a construction zone mixed with a high-end mall. It’s chaotic. Amidst that madness, the American Express Centurion Lounge has always been the "safe haven" for Platinum and Centurion cardholders. But things are different now. Honestly, if you haven’t visited since the start of 2025, you might walk in and wonder where the yoga mats went.
Significant centurion lounge jfk changes have rolled out over the last year, shifting the focus from "wellness" to "caffeine and consistency." Amex is playing a new game. They’re ditching niche amenities to make room for things people actually use—like better coffee and more places to sit.
The Death of the Equinox Body Lab
For a while, the JFK location was famous for the Equinox Body Lab. It was this cool, slightly pretentious space where you could do self-guided meditation or restorative stretching. Well, it's gone. Amex officially shuttered the lab because, let’s be real, most travelers would rather have a double espresso than a foam roller before a red-eye to London.
In its place, we now have Blue Roast by American Express.
This is a full-service coffee bar. It’s the second of its kind, following the successful pilot at the Seattle (SEA) lounge. We aren't just talking about those push-button machines that spit out lukewarm lattes. This is a legitimate barista station. You can get:
- Cold brew that actually has a kick.
- Seasonal specialty drinks (think maple in the fall, citrus in the summer).
- High-end espresso beverages.
- Healthy-ish snacks like avocado toast and chia seed pudding.
The best part? It’s all complimentary. You should still tip your barista, though. It’s the right thing to do.
Culinary Collective: The End of "Local Only" Menus?
For years, the JFK lounge menu was the brainchild of Chef Ignacio Mattos. His food was great—very "New York." But as part of the broader centurion lounge jfk changes hitting the network in 2025 and 2026, Amex has introduced the Culinary Collective.
Instead of one chef owning one lounge, Amex has partnered with a rotating squad of James Beard Award winners. We’re talking about heavy hitters like Mashama Bailey and Kwame Onwuachi. They are standardizing the menu across the U.S. network.
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Does this mean the food is worse? No, it’s actually more "elevated," as the marketing folks say. But it does mean you’ll see more consistency. If you love the braised short ribs in Atlanta, you might find a similar version at JFK. It takes away some of that "only in New York" flavor, but the quality control is definitely tighter.
The Speakeasy is Still the Best Kept Secret
Thankfully, they didn't touch the "1850" speakeasy. If you haven’t been, you basically walk past the main bar on the lower level and look for a nondescript door. Inside, it’s dark, moody, and feels nothing like an airport.
The cocktail program there has also seen a refresh. Harrison Ginsberg, the guy behind the world-famous Overstory bar in NYC, is now the lounge’s bar director. He’s introduced new signature drinks like "The Centurion," which is a mix of vodka, yuzu, and lime. It’s refreshing. It’s also much better than the "well" drinks you’ll get at the average airport bar.
Crowding and the 90-Minute Rule
Crowding is the elephant in the room. It’s the reason Amex is changing these lounges so much. They are desperate to get people in and out faster.
Starting in 2025, Amex began testing a concept called Sidecar by the Centurion Lounge. While the first standalone Sidecar is slated for Las Vegas, the "Sidecar philosophy" is being applied to how JFK handles guests.
Basically, they are prioritizing people with shorter stays. If you’re just there for a quick drink, they want you in a specific area. If you’re trying to camp out for five hours, you're going to find it harder. Remember: you still can’t get in more than 3 hours before your flight unless you're on a layover. And if you’re a Delta SkyMiles Reserve cardholder, keep in mind those new visit limits that kicked in February 2025—you only get 15 visits per year now unless you’re spending $75k annually on the card.
Real Talk: Is it Still Worth the Annual Fee?
The Amex Platinum annual fee is north of $800 now when you factor in the latest hikes. Is the JFK lounge worth that?
If you travel through Terminal 4 often, yes. The shower suites are still some of the best in the country. The Wi-Fi is fast enough to actually get work done. But the centurion lounge jfk changes show a clear trend: Amex is moving away from "luxury spa" vibes and toward "high-efficiency hub" vibes.
Actionable Tips for Your Next JFK Visit
- Check in via the App: Don't just show up. Use the Amex app to "check-in" before you reach the door. It can save you from standing in a physical line just to be told there's a 20-minute wait.
- Target the Lower Level: Most people congregate on the entry level. The lower level (where the speakeasy is) tends to be slightly quieter during the morning rush.
- The Coffee Bar is a Meal Replacement: If the buffet line is a disaster (which happens at noon), the Blue Roast bar has avocado toast and smoothies. It’s a much faster way to eat and get to your gate.
- Watch the Guest Fees: Unless you've hit that $75,000 spend threshold, expect to pay $50 per adult guest. It’s steep, so make sure they’re actually hungry before you bring them in.
The lounge is located post-security in Terminal 4. It’s open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. If you’re flying out of Terminals 1, 2, or 5, you probably shouldn't bother—the AirTrain and security re-clearance will eat up all your lounge time. Stay in Terminal 4, grab a Yuzu cocktail, and enjoy the runway views.